Poppi Worthington inquest: Toddler 'was sexually abused'

Poppi Worthington was blue and not breathing when she was taken to hospitalToddler Poppi Worthington was sexually abused by her father before she died, a coroner has ruled, finding her death was caused by asphyxia.Coroner David Roberts said Paul Worthington assaulted his daughter in his bed, laid a cover over her and went to sleep.He said she died because her ability to breathe was compromised as a result of "an unsafe sleeping environment."Mr Roberts said her father's account of events did not "stand up to scrutiny".Latest updates as the coroner delivers his inquest findingsDuring the three-week inquest at Kendal Coroner's Court, Poppi's father declined to answer 252 questions relating to the circumstances surrounding her death on 12 December 2012.However, Mr Worthington did tell the hearing he had gone to get Poppi to get a fresh nappy and said a few minutes later he reached over and found her limp.He said he then rushed downstairs and Poppi's mother, who was asleep there, called an ambulance.Paul Worthington's evidence did not "stand up to scrutiny", the coroner foundThe 13-month-old was pronounced dead at Furness General Hospital shortly after.Mr Roberts said a conclusion of unlawful killing was not available to him as he was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Poppi died from an act of murder or manslaughter.He added Poppi was suffering from an upper respiratory tract infection which, along with being placed in her father's bed, compromised her ability to breathe.In January 2016 - as part of family court proceedings involving Poppi's siblings - a judge revealed his findings that Mr Worthington "probably" sexually assaulted his daughter shortly before her death.Mr Worthington has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any offence, with the Crown Prosecution Service saying there is insufficient evidence.Barrow-in-FurnessPoppi Worthington death

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